AirSpeed CountDown ™ ™ User’s Guide m a k e m a n a g e m ove | m e d i a ™ Avid ®
Copyright and Disclaimer Product specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Avid Technology, Inc. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement. You can obtain a copy of that license by visiting Avid's Web site at www.avid.com. The terms of that license are also available in the product in the same directory as the software.
The following disclaimer is required by Videomedia, Inc.: “Videomedia, Inc. makes no warranties whatsoever, either express or implied, regarding this product, including warranties with respect to its merchantability or its fitness for any particular purpose.” “This software contains V-LAN ver. 3.0 Command Protocols which communicate with V-LAN ver. 3.0 products developed by Videomedia, Inc. and V-LAN ver. 3.0 compatible products developed by third parties under license from Videomedia, Inc.
Contents Using This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 If You Need Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 How to Order Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Avid Educational Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manually Performing a Server Changeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Performing Emergency Channel Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Viewing the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Configuring User Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Configuring Playlist/Shotbox Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Configuring the Appearance of a Playlist . . . . . .
Modifying Media Event IDs and Titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Changing a Media Event ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Changing a Media Event Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Searching for Media Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Using the Find Media Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Media Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Adding a Single Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Adding Multiple Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Assigning a Playout Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Automatically Reversing the Default Playout Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Including the Events from Another Playlist . . . . . . . . .
Modifying Events in the Playlist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Changing the Channel for Event Playout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Locking the Channel Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Assigning Event Playout Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Setting an Event to be Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Setting an Event to be Follow-On . . .
Grouping and Ungrouping Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Playing Out Multiple Playlists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Going Off-Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Previewing a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Importing a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Placeholder Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Placeholder Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Copying a Placeholder ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Viewing and Deleting Placeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Manually Setting the Next ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Viewing the Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Playing Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Enabling One Shot Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Controlling an On-Air Shotbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Pausing a Shotbox Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Aborting a Shotbox Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Deleting a Shotbox . . . . . . . . . .
Using This Guide This guide provides comprehensive installation, configuration, and operation instructions for the AirSpeed CountDown application. It is intended for all broadcast personnel who need to use CountDown as part of a configuration that includes one or more AirSpeed servers. n The documentation describes the features and hardware of all models. Therefore, your system might not contain certain features and hardware that are covered in the documentation.
Using This Guide Symbols and Conventions Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions: Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action n A note provides important related information, reminders, recommendations, and strong suggestions. c A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to your computer or cause you to lose data. w 14 A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm.
If You Need Help If You Need Help If you are having trouble using CountDown: 1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It is especially important to check each step of your workflow. 2. Check for the latest information that might have become available after the documentation was published in one of two locations: n - If release notes are available, they ship with your application.
Using This Guide How to Order Documentation To order additional copies of this documentation from within the United States, call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). If you are placing an order from outside the United States, contact your local Avid representative. Avid Educational Services For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, please visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843).
Chapter 1 Getting Started CountDown is an application that gives you the ability to control playout from AirSpeed servers. You can control up to eight VDCP channels on four AirSpeed servers, and keep a fifth server for browsing or emergency changeover. You can also use CountDown to view, manage, and edit playlists on the server or group of servers. This chapter provides information to help you get started using CountDown.
Chapter 1 Getting Started Operating System and Hardware Requirements Operating system and hardware requirements are listed in the AirSpeed CountDown Release Notes. For the latest information on requirements, visit http://www.avid.com/products. A serial ports expansion card adds RS-422 serial ports to a PC and is required to connect the PC to one or more AirSpeed servers. This version of CountDown supports the Digi multiport 422 card, manufactured by Digi International, Inc. (www.digi.com).
Installing Optional Hardware Installing Optional Hardware Optional hardware includes a digital input/output card and a programmable keypad. Installing an Input/Output Card If you want to use GPI controls with CountDown, you need to install a digital input/output card. This version of CountDown supports cards manufactured by ACCES I/O Products, Inc. (www.accesio.com). For specific model numbers, see the CountDown release notes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the card in the PC.
Chapter 1 Getting Started Connecting the Application Key The application key, commonly referred to as a dongle, allows CountDown to run on your system. You need to connect the application key before you can run the application. If your system has USB ports in the front and in the rear, Avid recommends that you connect the application key to a USB port at the rear of the system. Setting Up Server Connections This section describes basic configurations for using CountDown with one to five AirSpeed servers.
Setting Up Server Connections Connecting to a Single Server In this basic two-channel configuration, the CountDown PC controls two channels on a single server. The PC has three connections to the server: two remote control connections and a network connection. The remote control connections require two COM ports on the CountDown PC. PC COM ports use RS-232 standards, and the Remote serial ports on the server use RS-422 standards.
Chapter 1 Getting Started Connecting to Multiple AirSpeed Servers In this configuration, the CountDown PC uses up to ten channels to communicate with a maximum of five AirSpeed servers. The PC has two remote control connections to each server and a network connection. Because each remote control connection uses a COM port, this configuration requires a serial ports expansion card and serial cables (see “Operating System and Hardware Requirements” on page 18).
Installing CountDown Installing CountDown To install the AirSpeed CountDown software, locate and run the CountDown installer application on the CountDown CD-ROM. Starting CountDown To start CountDown, do one of the following: t Select Start > All Programs > Avid > AirSpeed > AirSpeed CountDown. t Double-click the CountDown shortcut on the desktop.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 24
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown This chapter provides instructions for configuring CountDown software.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Establishing Communication Between CountDown and AirSpeed This section describes how to set up CountDown to communicate to one or more AirSpeed servers. Before You Begin You can configure CountDown for up to ten channels: two channels for each of five servers. You can configure these channels to suit your requirements by assigning the following functions: • Channels A, B, C, and D can be used for playback or browsing.
Establishing Communication Between CountDown and AirSpeed • For each channel, the COM (serial) port number on the PC and the corresponding VDCP port number on the server. You specify this information in the Studio Configuration dialog box. Server Functions You can assign one of the following functions to an AirSpeed server: • Not Used: CountDown is not connected (default setting). • Playback: Provides one or two channels of normal transmission playback.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Configuration Example The following table shows a typical configuration: Display Hostname Name Usage Channel VDCP Port COM Port studio001 Playout A 2 COM 1 B 3 COM 2 C 2 COM 3 D 3 COM 4 E 2 COM 5 F 3 COM 6 G 2 COM 7 H 3 COM 8 I 2 COM 9 J 3 COM 10 studio002 studio003 studio004 studio005 AirSpeed 1 AirSpeed 2 AirSpeed 3 AirSpeed 4 AirSpeed 5 Playout Mirroring Mirroring Browsing Configuring the Servers and Channels You use the S
Establishing Communication Between CountDown and AirSpeed To configure servers and channels: 1. Select Tools > Studio Configuration. The Studio Configuration dialog box opens. 2. Click the AirSpeed 1 tab. 3. In the Usage box, select the function for this server. 4. Enter the host name or IP address for the server. 5. (Optional) Enter the display name for the server. If you leave this field blank, CountDown displays the host name or IP address. 6. Enter the VDCP port and COM port. 7.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Automatic Server Changeover If CountDown detects a problem with a channel on a primary AirSpeed server, it automatically switches control of that channel to the mirroring channel on the standby server (called a server changeover). It also displays a warning message alerting you of the changeover and changes the indicator lights in the status bar (see “Understanding the Status Displays” on page 51). The channels listed in the playlist do not change.
Establishing Communication Between CountDown and AirSpeed The channels listed in the playlist do not change. CountDown checks if the media is available on both servers. If the media is available on the primary server but not on the standby server, CountDown displays the Playout mode icon in the playlist window as half green and half red.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Viewing the Configuration CountDown provides you with a visual representation of your configuration. You can use this as an aid to troubleshooting, by determining which COM port is assigned to which channel. To view the configuration: t 32 Select Tools > Show Configuration.
Configuring User Preferences Configuring User Preferences User preferences include setting defaults and enabling functionality for playlists, shotboxes, and media events on an AirSpeed server. This section provides instructions for the following: • Configuring Playlist/Shotbox Preferences • Configuring the Appearance of a Playlist • Configuring Server Preferences For information about configuring the MOS Interface, see “Configuring CountDown to Use MOS” on page 118.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown 3. Select the options you want, as described in the following table. 4. Click OK. Playlist/Shotbox Options Option Description Allow Playlist/Shotbox Editing Enables editing of playlists and shotboxes. (Not selected by default) Follow-on As Default Sets CountDown to automatically assign the Follow on Playout mode to events you drag into a playlist. For more information, see “Assigning Event Playout Mode” on page 91.
Configuring User Preferences Playlist/Shotbox Options (Continued) Option Description Automatically Assign Channels Sets CountDown to automatically re-assign channels when changes are made to the playlist. If you enable this option, the Ellipsis button next to it is enabled. Click this button to select the channels to be used in the playlist. The first channel in the playlist is always the first channel selected in the channel assignment.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Playlist/Shotbox Options (Continued) Option Description Autoscroll On-Air List When a playlist contains more media events than the playlist window can display, ensures that the event currently playing and, when possible, the cued event are always visible. Delete Items After Playout By default, CountDown retains an event in a playlist after it has been played to air. To set CountDown to delete events after playing them to air, select this option.
Configuring User Preferences Playlist/Shotbox Options (Continued) Option Description Skip Items not Available on Server Passes over items in the playlist that are not available on the server. These items include placeholders that have not been updated and events that are not online. Events not online are indicated by a red icon in the playlist. Shift + ESC terminate playout Enables pressing Shift + Esc to end playout of the playlist.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Configuring the Appearance of a Playlist You configure preferences for the appearance of a playlist on the Appearance tab in the General Preferences dialog box. To configure the appearance of a playlist: 1. Select Tools > General Preferences. The General Preferences dialog box is displayed. 2. Click the Appearance tab. 3. Select the options you want, as described in the following table. 4. Click OK.
Configuring User Preferences Playlist Appearance Options Option Description Highlight Colors Lets you set the preferred color to indicate the status of the media events in on-air playlists. By default, playing events are red, cued events are green, and events that fail to play are yellow. To change the status indication color: 1. Click the status color box to be changed. The Windows color pallet appears. 2. Select the color by clicking the appropriate colored box. 3. Click OK.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Playlist Appearance Options (Continued) Option Description Printing Lets you set the font of a printed playlist or media inventory. To change the printing font, click the Change button. Auto-Arrange Windows Enables automatic arrangement of CountDownwindows whenever you open or close a window. You can still arrange windows manually at any time. You can also select Window > Arrange Windows to set the default arrangement.
Configuring User Preferences 3. Select the options you want, as described in the following table. 4. Click OK. Server Options Option Description Allow Media Deletion Lets you delete events from AirSpeed Studio. Alert When Server Changes Enables an audible alert whenever AirSpeed server content changes, such as when a media event is added, modified, or deleted by direct recording, network transfer, or other user activity.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Server Options (Continued) Option Description Automatically Update Playlist Entries if Server Changes By default, when media on the AirSpeed server changes, a corresponding media event in a Playlist or Shotbox does not reflect the change. Select this option to enable automatic updating of media events for AirSpeed media changes. Sort Order is Case Sensitive By default, CountDown sorts the events in the media list regardless of case.
Configuring External Control Configuring External Control You can set up CountDown to work with the following external controls:. • GPI input and output: You can configure CountDown to perform functions triggered by GPI inputs and trigger other devices to perform certain functions using GPI outputs. GPI control requires installation of the ACCES I/O card. See “Installing an Input/Output Card” on page 19. • X-keys keypad: You can configure CountDown to perform functions through the X-keys keypad.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown 2. Click the External Control tab. 3. Select the options you want, as described in the following table. 4. Click OK. 5. For changes to take effect, restart CountDown. External Control Preferences Option Description I/O card identification Provides the name of the installed I/O card. GPI Input Configuration - Automatic Playlist Updating Not currently implemented.
Configuring External Control External Control Preferences (Continued) Option Playlist Colors Description Determines the color applied to playlist events to indicate the status set by the GPI. Turn On Turn Off Toggle Pulse X-keys Debounce Determines the length of the delay between valid button presses on the X-keys keypad. Increase this setting (up to 1 second) to avoid inadvertent key presses. Log Preferences to File Click this button to name and save a preferences file.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown 2. Select the options you want, as described in the following table. 3. Click Clear All to remove all settings. 4. Click Restore Defaults to restore the default settings. 5. When you are done, click OK. External Control Customization Settings Option Description Function Select the function for the external device Play Next Event Starts playing the event that is currently in a cued state. This function has the same effect as clicking the Next button in the playlist.
Configuring External Control External Control Customization Settings (Continued) Option Description Move Cursor Up Moves the cursor up one item in the playlist. Move Cursor Down Moves the cursor down one item in the playlist. Cue Selected Event Cues the event on which the cursor is resting. command (Channel Specific) For dedicated channel-specific playlists. If you select one of these commands, click the Channels button, and the Assign Channels dialog box opens.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Printing Customizations To print a graphical representation of the external controls: 1. Select Tools > View Customization and select the external controls you want to print. 2. Click the window. 3. Select File > Print selected_controls. Enabling and Disabling the External Device To enable or disable an external device: 1. Select Playlist > External Control. 2. Select GPI Inputs or External Keypad. If a check appears before the device, the device is enabled.
Configuring Logging and Security Features 3. Select the options you want, as described in the following table. 4. Click OK. Logging and Security Options Option Description Set Password Click this button to set password protection for the General Preferences and Studio Configuration dialog boxes. If you specify a password, and then select Tools > General Preferences, a dialog box requires you to enter a password.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown Logging and Security Options (Continued) Option Description Logging Specifies if you want CountDown to create a log file and where you want to save it. The log file name is autogenerated. For traffic logging, the file name reflects the day and time the playlist was aired For diagnostic logging, the file name reflects the day and time the file was created. For example, a file titled Wed121725 was created on a Wednesday at 12:17:25.
Understanding the Status Displays Understanding the Status Displays When CountDown runs, it also monitors the state of the network and serial connections to the AirSpeed server. CountDown establishes network and serial port connections as it starts up and, unless a problem with either the network or any serial ports occurs, it remains connected until shut down. Determining Network Status CountDown checks the network status of the servers at frequent and regular intervals.
Chapter 2 Setting Up CountDown • Yellow—The network connection for the server is lost. • Gray—No corresponding AirSpeed server is configured. In a mirrored configuration, after a server changeover, the main server indicator changes to red and is labeled STBY. The mirrored server changes to green, yellow, or red (depending on the network and VDCP status) and is labeled MAIN. For more information, see “Automatic Server Changeover” on page 30.
Understanding the Status Displays • n Yellow—Port has opened correctly but CountDown has made no attempt to communicate with the AirSpeed server. Yellow is seen when an offline CountDown PC is switched online. Yellow remains only briefly. • Gray—The port is not in use by CountDown. If communication on any of the connections fails and is restored, CountDown reopens the port and establishes communication.
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Chapter 3 Managing Media Events This chapter describes how to manage media events on an AirSpeed server.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events To display the media list automatically: 1. Select Tools > General Preferences. 2. Click the Server tab. 3. Select Automatically Show Media List. 4. Click OK. Network Status Lights CountDown uses status lights at the top of the media list to indicate the state of the network connection. There is one light per server. The name displayed on the light is the name you set when establishing communication with the server (see “Configuring the Servers and Channels” on page 28).
Displaying the Media List Media Availability The AV (Availability) column shows the availability of a single piece of media on the server. There can be up to five columns of indicator lights, depending on the number of servers in your configuration.The order of the lights matches the order of the servers listed in the network status area.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events To toggle the sort order, ascending or descending: t Click the column heading again. Resizing Media List Columns To resize a media list column: t Click the bar between two column headings and drag the pointer right to enlarge the column and left to shrink the column. Rearranging Media List Columns To rearrange the six columns in the media list: t Click on the column heading and drag it to the desired location.
Modifying Media Event IDs and Titles Modifying Media Event IDs and Titles You can change a media event ID (Video ID) or title associated with a media event. These actions change the ID and title listed on the AirSpeed server. Changing a Media Event ID To change the ID of a single media event: 1. Select the item in the media list. 2. Do one of the following: t Select Studio > Rename Media ID. t Right-click and select Rename Media ID. The Change Media Item ID dialog box appears.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events 3. Modify the ID in the Item ID text box. 4. Click OK to update the media event on the server. A warning dialog box opens. 5. Click Yes to proceed with renaming the media item. Changing a Media Event Title To change the title of a single media event: 1. Select the item in the Media List. 2. Do one of the following: t Select Studio > Rename Media Title. t Right-click and select Rename Media Title. The Change Media Item Title dialog box appears. 3.
Searching for Media Events Searching for Media Events To search for events in the media list, do one of the following: t Use the Find Media dialog box. See “Using the Find Media Dialog Box” on page 61 for more information. t Click the Title column heading and type the first few letters of the title. CountDown selects the first event whose title begins with those letters. t Click the ID column heading and type the first few numbers or letters of the ID.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events Searching Using the Find Media Dialog Box You can search the media list by event ID, title, duration, or modification date. You can search events using a single criterion or a combination of up to three criteria. For instance, you can search for only events whose IDs start with Event or search for events whose IDs start with Event, whose titles do not include Test, and whose durations are less than 15 seconds. To conduct a search: 1.
Searching for Media Events 4. To incorporate a second criterion in the search, do the following: a. Select AND or OR. CountDown activates the second search level. b. Repeat steps 1–3 for the second search level. If AND is selected, CountDown searches for events that satisfy both criterion. If OR is selected, CountDown searches for events that satisfy either criterion. 5. To incorporate a third criterion in the search, do the following: a. Select AND or OR for the second search level.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events Starting a New Search To start a new search: 1. Select the New Search option in the Find Media dialog box. 2. Perform the search, as described in “Searching Using the Find Media Dialog Box” on page 62 n The New Search option is the default option if a media list contains no items. Canceling a Search To cancel the result of a search and restore the full media list, do one of the following: t Select Studio > Find All.
Protecting Events from Deletion To delete media from the server: 1. From the Media list, select the event or group of events to be deleted. 2. Do one of the following: t Select Studio > Delete Media. t Click the Delete Media button on the CountDown toolbar. t Right-click and select Delete Media. A dialog box opens, requiring confirmation of the deletion. 3. Click Yes to confirm each individual deletion or click Yes To All to confirm the deletion of the entire selection.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events Browsing Media Events You can use CountDown to browse AirSpeed media events through the network connection and a video monitor connected to AirSpeed. Network browsing requires a different AirSpeed channel from those used for playout control (See “Before You Begin” on page 26). To browse the media events on AirSpeed: 1. If necessary, show the media list by selecting Studio > List Media. 2.
Showing Storage Availability Showing Storage Availability To display the amount of space available on the configured AirSpeed servers: t Select Studio > Show Storage Availability. The Studio Storage Availability dialog box opens and shows the percentage of storage space used and how much is available. The following illustration shows storage availability for a configuration in which servers B3 and B4 mirror servers B1 and B2.
Chapter 3 Managing Media Events 68
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists This chapter provides instructions for building, modifying, and playing playlists.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Understanding Playlists A playlist allows rapid assembly, modification, and playing out sequences of media events. The following figure shows a typical playlist window. For information about shotboxes, see “Using Shotboxes” on page 135. 70 By default, CountDown prevents editing of playlists and shotboxes.
Understanding Playlists When the Allow Playlist and Shotbox Editing check box is checked, you can use the Playlist/Shotbox section of the CountDown toolbar, shown in the following figure.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Event Number The event number indicates the item’s position in the playlist. If the item is part of a loop the event number column is shaded. Event number Event playout channel Event playout mode If the playlist item has been locked against automatic updating, a padlock icon is displayed in the event number column (see “Locking Items Against Updates” on page 101).
Understanding Playlists Event Playout Mode The Port column displays the following icons, located next to the event playout channel letter, to indicate the event Playout mode. Follow-On Event Manual Event Loop Event Time-of-Day Event Reference List Event - Follow-On Reference List Event - Manual Reference List Event - Time of Day Grouped Event For an explanation of these modes, see “Assigning Event Playout Mode” on page 91.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Event Title The Title column displays the title assigned to this event. You can modify the title in two ways: • On the AirSpeed server (see “Changing a Media Event Title” on page 60) • In the Playlist only (see “Changing the Title of Events” on page 101) Event Duration The event duration column displays the duration assigned to this event. Initially, CountDown takes the duration from the AirSpeed server database.
Building a Playlist Event Modification Date The Last Modified column shows when the event was last modified on the AirSpeed server. GPI Outputs The GPI Outputs column shows what, if any, GPI output function the event will trigger. A blank in the column indicates that no GPI output is associated with this event. For information about configuring output functions, see “Assigning GPI Output Triggers to Events” on page 96.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists CountDown opens a new playlist titled “Untitled Playlist n.” The n represents the number of the new playlists that have been created during a CountDown session. Adding Media Events You can add events to a playlist one at a time or in groups of events. You can also add events from another playlist to the playlist being built. When you add events one at a time or in groups, CountDown assigns the playout channel and mode.
Building a Playlist Adding Multiple Events To add multiple events to a playlist by dragging and dropping: 1. Select the desired events in the media list or in an open playlist by doing one of the following: - Hold down the Ctrl key and click to select random events. - Hold down the Shift key and click to select consecutive events. 2. Drag and drop the selected events to the playlist. - To add the event before another in the middle of the list, drag and drop it over that event.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Automatically Reversing the Default Playout Mode You set the default Playout mode with the Follow-on As Default setting on the Playlist tab of the General Preferences dialog box (see “Configuring Playlist/Shotbox Preferences” on page 33). The default setting is either Follow-on (if the option is selected) or Manual (if the option is not selected). You can reverse the default setting when adding events to a playlist using drag and drop.
Building a Playlist 3. Click Open. If the Insert as Reference option is not selected, CountDown adds each event from the other playlist and lists them separately. If the Insert as Reference option is selected, CountDown adds the file path of the playlist as the title for the event. The channel and ID reflect those of the first event in the referenced playlist. The duration indicates the duration of the entire referenced playlist, and the Playout Mode icon indicates that it is a referenced playlist.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists 3. Drag the file from its location and drop it into the playlist at the location before which you want to add it. CountDown adds the file path of the playlist as the title for the event. The channel and ID reflect those of the first event in the referenced playlist. The duration indicates the duration of the entire referenced playlist, and the Playout Mode icon indicates that it is a referenced playlist.
Building a Playlist Adding Comments and Break Events You can add comments and break events to playlists. Adding Comments You can use comments to annotate the playlist and to flag commercial blocks. n CountDown ignores comments on playout. They are for user reference only. To add a comment: 1. Select the line in the playlist before the spot the comment will be placed. 2. Click the Insert Comment button on the CountDown toolbar or select Playlist > Insert Comment. The Playlist Comment dialog box opens. 3.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Adding Break Events See “Assigning Event Playout Mode” on page 91. n Use a break event to cause a Follow-On event to act like a Manual event. Playout will stop at that event until CountDown receives a command to play out the event. See “Playing Events” on page 105 for more information. Break events have no effect when placed before Manual media events. To add a break event: 1. Select the Follow-On event in the playlist before the break event will appear. 2.
Building a Playlist Changing Comment Events to Break Events To change an existing comment event to a break event: 1. Select the comment item in the playlist. 2. Do one of the following: a. Select Playlist > Insert Break. b. Click the Insert Break button on the CountDown toolbar. To change an existing break event to a comment event: 1. Select the break item in the playlist. 2. Do one of the following: a. Select Playlist > Insert Comment. b. Click the Insert Comment button on the CountDown toolbar.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Duplicating Events To duplicate events in the playlist, select the event or group of events to duplicate and do one of the following: t Hold down the CTRL key and drag the selection to the desired location. t Use the Copy and Paste commands: a. Select Edit > Copy or click the Copy button on the CountDown toolbar. b. Click the location to put the event. If no location is selected, events are pasted at the end of the playlist. c.
Building a Playlist Adding Placeholders To add a placeholder: 1. Select the location in the playlist before the placeholder is to be inserted. 2. Select Playlist > Insert Placeholder or click the Insert Placeholder button on the CountDown toolbar. The Insert Placeholder dialog box appears. 3. Enter the ID, title, and an estimated duration for the event. CountDown will update the title and duration after the media and the ID appear on the AirSpeed server.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists n If the event already exists when you are creating a placeholder for it, you can fill in the title and duration fields by pressing the Tab key. Converting an Existing Event to a Placeholder To convert an existing event or group of events to placeholders: 1. Select the event or group of events you want to convert to placeholders. 2. Select Playlist > Convert to Placeholder.
Building a Playlist Undoing Changes To undo the last change made to a playlist: t n Select Edit > Undo. CountDown has a single level of the undo function only. For more than one level of undo, revert to the previous playlist. Reverting to the Last Saved Playlist During the process of editing a playlist, you can cancel all changes made since the playlist was last saved by starting over from the last saved version. To revert to the last saved playlist: t Select File > Revert Playlist.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists 4. To remove the selected events from the existing playlist and replace them with a reference to the new playlist being created, select the “Replace saved items with reference list” option. 5. Click Save. CountDown saves the selected events in the new playlist. If you selected “Replace saved items with reference list,” CountDown removes the events from the existing playlist and replaces them with a reference to the playlist file just created.
Optimizing the Positions of CountDown Windows To open an existing playlist using drag and drop: 1. Locate the playlist file to open. The file may be on the Desktop, listed in Windows Explorer, or listed in any directory window. 2. Drag the file from its location and drop it into the CountDown window. n Do not drop the file into a Playlist window or the list will be inserted as a reference playlist rather than being opened as a playlist.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Changing the Channel for Event Playout To set the playout channel for events: 1. Select the event or group of events. 2. Do one of the following: t Click the appropriate channel button on the CountDown toolbar. t Select Playlist > Set Item Play Channel and select the desired channel from the list that is displayed. t Press Shift + the keyboard letter of the channel you want to assign.
Modifying Events in the Playlist Assigning Event Playout Mode There are four different Playout modes that you can set in CountDown: • Manual • Follow-On • Time-of-Day • Loop Setting an Event to be Manual A Manual event requires user intervention to play the clip. CountDown cues the clip and then waits for one of the following before playing the event: • A click on the Next button. • A Return, Spacebar or ABCD key press, provided it is enabled.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Setting an Event to be Follow-On A Follow-On event plays automatically when the previous event ends. To set the Playout mode of an event or group of events to Follow-On: 1. Select the event or events in the Playlist. 2. Do one of the following: t Select Playlist > Set Item Type >Follow On from the Playlist menu. t Click the Follow On Event button on the CountDown toolbar t Type Ctrl+2. The Playout Mode icon changes to the arrow icon.
Modifying Events in the Playlist 3. In the Event Time text box, enter the time of day—in 24-hour notation—for CountDown to play the event. 4. To play the event only once, use the Day list menu to select the day of the week to play the event. To play the event at the same time every day, select the Daily Event option. 5.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists 5. Click OK. CountDown adjusts the playout time of the selected event and any subsequent Time-of-Day events by the difference between original time and the new time. Looping Media Events You can set CountDown to loop either a single media event or a block of events. To create a looping event: 1. In the playlist, select the event that will control the loop; this will be the last event in the block. 2. Do one of the following: t Select Playlist > Set Item Type > Loop.
Modifying Events in the Playlist n When Loop To Item is selected, CountDown highlights all items currently selected in the loop. 4. In the Loop Condition section, do one of the following: t n The time entered is not necessarily the time the item following the loop event will play to air. It is used as a test condition. If the time set has not been reached when the looping event starts to play, the loop is repeated. If the time has been passed, playout continues with the following item.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Adding Events to a Loop You can add events to a loop that you have created. Use the same procedures for adding events to a playlist (see “Adding Media Events” on page 76). If you drag an item to the top of the loop, CountDown displays a message that asks if you want to include it in the loop. Assigning GPI Output Triggers to Events CountDown enables you to configure events to trigger any or all of the GPI outputs. All assigned outputs are triggered simultaneously.
Modifying Events in the Playlist 3. Use the list boxes to select the operation for each of the eight outputs. The four operations available in the list boxes are as follows: • Turn On—sets the output to its ON state regardless of its previous state. • Turn Off—sets the output to its OFF state regardless of its previous state. • Toggle—reverses the state of the output—if it was ON before the event, it goes OFF after the event and vice-versa.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists This section describes the Clip Editor’s controls and their functions. n When there is no channel —VDCP or Network—available for browsing, Clip Editor functionality is restricted. The Transport Controls, Mark IN, Mark OUT, and the Cue buttons are disabled. See “Configuring the Servers and Channels” on page 28.
Modifying Events in the Playlist Two sliders are located below the Transport Control buttons: • Jog or Shuttle Slider: Select the Jog or Shuttle option located to the right of the slider to assign that function to the slider. To use the slider, drag it back and forth with the pointer or use the left and right keyboard cursor keys to jog one frame at a time. You can also control play by using a mouse wheel.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists To edit an event using the Clip Editor: 1. Open the Clip Editor dialog box by doing one of the following: t Double-click the event. t Select the event and select Playlist > Edit Clip. t Select the event and click the Edit Clip button on the CountDown toolbar. t Select the event and type Ctrl+E. The Clip Editor dialog box appears. For information about controls, see “Understanding the Clip Editor” on page 97. 2. Use the Transport Controls to locate the IN point. 3.
Modifying Events in the Playlist Locking Items Against Updates You can configure CountDown to update playlist items if the corresponding media event on the AirSpeed server changes. Such updates will cause modifications made by the playlist Clip Editor, such as an IN point, to be lost. To protect an individual playlist item from such updates: t Select the Lock option on the CountDown Clip Editor. Changing the Title of Events CountDown lets you change the title of an event in a playlist.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Modifying Events While Playing a Playlist to Air CountDown lets you modify events in a playlist even as that list is aired; however, CountDown restricts the functionality of the Clip Editor if a network browse channel is not assigned or if the event you are editing is playing. CountDown allows only manual entries, clearing the IN and OUT points, and changing the title—the Transport Controls, Mark IN, Mark OUT, and Cue buttons are disabled.
Playing a List to Air Playing a List to Air There are two steps to playing out the events in a playlist: 1. Put the playlist in the On-Air state. 2. Play out events in the list. To perform these steps, use the Playlist Control toolbar. Channel buttons Freeze Play Ready Eject The control buttons perform the following functions: • Channel buttons: Lets you select a single channel for playout or all channels. • Play button: Plays the clip that is ready for air.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists In the On-Air state, the Playlist window has two time displays (rundown clocks): • The display on the left, with red digits, shows the time remaining for the playing event. • The display on the right, with green digits, displays either the time remaining for the entire playlist or the elapsed time—also known as count up time—for the playing event.You set the display mode on the Playlist Preferences dialog box. See “Configuring Playlist/Shotbox Preferences” on page 33.
Playing a List to Air To select the channel and put the playlist in the On-Air state, do one of the following: t Click the Channel button in the Playlist Control toolbar corresponding to the desired channel. t From the Playlist menu, choose Activate and the letter of the desired channel. Playing a List in All Channels Mode To allow the list to play out on all channels, do one of the following: t Click the All Channels button in the Playlist Control toolbar.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists t Trigger a GPI Next Event. t Wait for CountDown to play out a Time-of-Day event. See “Configuring the Appearance of a Playlist” on page 38. CountDown plays out the event and displays it in the Playing color, which is red by default. It also cues the next event and displays it in the Ready color, which is green by default. See “Setting an Event to be Manual” on page 91.
Playing a List to Air After an event has finished playing, CountDown does one of the following: n • Displays it in gray. • Deletes it from the list if the Delete Items After Playout check box is checked in the General Preferences dialog box. In some cases CountDown indicates that more than one event is playing. This happens during multiple channel playout when an event begins playing in one channel before the current event in another channel has finished.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists n If either the playing or cued item is selected, it will not be highlighted in the normal selected item color. Instead, it will retain its color—playing or cued— but will be highlighted in a crosshatched color pattern rather than a solid color. To relocate an event, select the event and do one of the following: t Drag the event to the desired location. t Use the Cut and Paste commands. a. Select Edit > Cut or click the Cut button on the CountDown toolbar. b.
Playing a List to Air Controlling the On-Air Event The playout of events while a playlist is on air may be affected by the Freeze and Eject buttons on the Playlist Control toolbar. Pausing an Event To pause an event on a still frame: t Click the Freeze button. While the event is paused, the rundown clocks temporarily stop. To resume playout: t Click the Freeze button a second time. The event continues to play and the rundown clocks resume.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists To group a selection of events: 1. Ensure the events to be grouped are consecutively located and assigned to separate channels. 2. Select Playlist > Group Items or click the Group button on the CountDown toolbar. Except for the first event in the group, the Playout Mode icon for each event changes to a chain link indicating that they are grouped. CountDown will play all grouped events simultaneously starting at the time the first event in the group is set to start.
Previewing a Playlist Going Off-Air To put a list off air without changing over to another list, hold down the Shift key while clicking the Off-Air button on the Playlist Control toolbar. You can also press Shift + Esc, if you set it as a preference (see “Configuring Playlist/Shotbox Preferences” on page 33). Previewing a Playlist In a news operation, presenters often need to preview the media used during the bulletin in order to check cues for their studio inserts.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists 2. Play the item you want to preview in the same way you would play the item to air. Importing a Playlist You can create playlist entries from a list of IDs stored in a text file. This is known as importing a playlist. To import a playlist: 1. Create a text file using a text editor, such as WordPad or NotePad, and list the required event IDs—each on its own line— in the order in which they will appear in the playlist. 2. Save the text file. 3.
Printing a Playlist Following is an example of an exported playlist: Playlist: New Playlist.
Chapter 4 Managing Playlists Deleting a Playlist To delete a playlist: 1. Select File > Delete File. The Delete Playlist or Shotbox dialog box opens. 2. Select the file or files you want to delete. 3. Click Open. The files are deleted. Previewing a Transition You can play back the last five seconds of an event, followed automatically by the next event, to view how a transition will appear. To view the last five seconds of an event: 1. Select the event. 2. Select Playlist > Preview Transition.
Breaking Out of Referenced Playlist Loops 2. Enter the time at which looping is to end. 3. Click OK. CountDown stores the loop break time, and displays it in the bottom corner of the Playlist window. To clear the loop break time for a playlist: 1. Select Playlist > Set Loop Break Time. The Set Loop Break Time dialog box is displayed. 2. Click Clear. CountDown clears the loop break time. n The loop break time does not determine the precise time at which looping ends.
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Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol CountDown supports use of the MOS (Media Object Server) protocol. This support is described in the following sections: • Using MOS • Configuring CountDown to Use MOS • Managing Playlists • Managing Placeholder Creation Using MOS MOS is an industry-standard, XML-based protocol that is primarily used by a Newsroom Computer System (NRCS) to maintain running orders on a video server.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol Configuring CountDown to Use MOS Use the MOS tab of the General Preferences dialog box to configure CountDown to use MOS features. To configure CountDown to use MOS: 1. Select Tools > General Preferences. The General Preferences dialog box opens. 2. Click the MOS tab. 3. Select the options you want, as described in the following tables. 4. Click OK. For changes to take effect, restart CountDown.
Configuring CountDown to Use MOS MOS Options Option Description Global Settings Enable MOS functionality for the system you select. • iNEWS: MOS functionality is enabled and the detailed configuration is preset to the options most commonly used with an iNEWS NRCS. • ENPS: MOS functionality is enabled and the detailed configuration is preset to the options most commonly used with an ENPS NRCS. Any settings can be freely modified in either mode.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol Detailed MOS Options (General Preferences Dialog Box) Option Description MOS Compatibility Determines the version of the MOS protocol that CountDown uses: 2.6 or 2.8. When you select MOS 2.8, CountDown supports new MOS commands such as roElementAction. Options Options for how CountDown works with MOS messages.
Configuring CountDown to Use MOS Detailed MOS Options (General Preferences Dialog Box) (Continued) Option Description Always Show Playlists CountDown shows all playlists regardless of their ready-forair state. This is useful when first configuring the system. This option is unchecked by default, so that playlists are only displayed when their playlists are ready for air. However, you can view MOS playlists that are not ready for air—see “Displaying MOS Rundowns” on page 126.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol Detailed MOS Options (General Preferences Dialog Box) (Continued) Option Description Deleted Object Notification Postpones the transmission of item deleted messages for the number of seconds you specify in the Postpone field.
Managing Playlists Managing Playlists An NRCS uses CountDown to synchronize NRCS running orders with CountDown playlists.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol Item Auto-Cue If the Re-cue on Move or Insert option is selected in Playlist preferences, and a change initiated by the NRCS results in a new item being inserted immediately after the item currently on air, then the new item will be cued ready for air and will automatically be assigned to the correct channel (if auto-assignment is enabled, as described in the next section).
Managing Playlists 5. Do one of the following: t n Select On Air Event if you want auto-assignment to start from the earliest location in the playlist after the current on-air event, and the playlist to be updated by the NRCS. If no event is currently on-air then the last item to play to air is taken as the reference point. If an item further down the list is already cued, its channel assignment could be changed. If this occurs, CountDown automatically re-cues the item in its new channel.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol Displaying MOS Rundowns If the Always Show Playlists option is disabled, you can still display MOSoriginated playlists (rundowns) that have not been made ready for air by the NRCS. To display MOS-originated playlists: t Select Window > Show MOS Rundown and select the rundown you want to display. Displaying MOS Item Details To show MOS-specific details for an event: t Right-click an event and select Show MOS Item Details.
Managing Playlists In addition, you can manually update an item whose details are questionable. To manually update an event: t Select Playlist > Reset Details. Resyncing MOS Runorders If you need an immediate update from the NRCS of all MOS-originated playlists in CountDown, you can have CountDown poll the server for any changes. To resync MOS runorders with CountDown playlists: t Select Playlist > Resync MOS Runorder.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol Changing Item Type You can set items in MOS-generated playlists as Manual or Follow-On (see “Changing the Channel for Event Playout” on page 90). This requires that you select the Allow Playlist/Shotbox Editing option on the Playlist tab of the General Preferences dialog box. Ready for Air Indication MOS-originated playlists show a small MOS icon in the lower left corner (the location used to indicate whether manually generated playlists have unsaved changes).
Managing Placeholder Creation 4. ENPS receives the placeholder and automatically adds it to the story. 5. Because the ENPS running order is MOS active, an update is sent to CountDown. 6. CountDown updates its copy of the running order. The following illustration shows the process of creating a placeholder. Creating a Placeholder mosObjCreate messages NRCS Placeholder ID CountDown AirSpeed Playlist update At this point the placeholders exist in the NRCS running order, in the CountDown playlist.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol The following illustration shows the process of replacing a placeholder. Replacing a Placeholder NewsCutter Media with placeholder ID Media update event NRCS CountDown AirSpeed Playlist update When an NRCS requests a placeholder, the message can include an indication of the anticipated duration of the object. If this information is received CountDown will use it to determine the duration of the placeholder it creates.
Managing Placeholder Creation Placeholder Management CountDown provides features for managing placeholders created on an NRCS, as described in the following sections: • Placeholder Format • Copying a Placeholder ID • Viewing and Deleting Placeholders • Manually Setting the Next ID Placeholder Format CountDown generates placeholders with 8-character IDs that take the format YYMMDDXX, where YYMMDD is the current date and XX is a unique character identifier.
Chapter 5 Working with the MOS Protocol If there are no MOS placeholders, the commands are grayed out. n If you set a password in the Logging and Security tab of the General Preferences dialog box, the Set ID and Delete Placeholder functions require you to enter the password. To delete a placeholder: t Select the placeholder from the list and click the Delete button. CountDown notifies the NRCS that the placeholder has been deleted.
Viewing the Event Log Manually Setting the Next ID If you are running CountDown on a system that fails, you can run CountDown on another machine and continue to generate placeholder IDs in the same order. To manually set the next ID: 1. Select Studio > List Placeholders. 2. Click the Set ID button. 3. Enter the ID from which you want to start generating the placeholders. Viewing the Event Log The MOS Event Log automatically lists all MOS commands if logging is enabled. To enable MOS logging: 1.
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Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes This chapter provides instructions for building, modifying, and playing shotboxes.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes The shotbox buttons indicate the same information as the entries on a playlist. The playing event is highlighted in red and the cued event is highlighted in green. Buttons, currently configured as placeholders, show their details in red, and events that fail to be played or cued are highlighted in orange. See “Using Placeholders” on page 137. See “Enabling One Shot Operation” on page 147.
Building a Shotbox Building a Shotbox To build a shotbox, ensure that shotbox editing is enabled. See “Configuring Playlist/Shotbox Preferences” on page 33. You do not need to enable editing to create a new shotbox. Creating a New Shotbox To build a shotbox, you first need to create a new, empty shotbox. To create a new shotbox, do one of the following: t Press Alt and click the New icon on the General toolbar. t Press Ctrl-Alt-N.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes Assigning a Placeholder to a Button To assign a placeholder to a button: 1. Select the button in the shotbox to which you want to assign the placeholder. 2. Do one of the following: t Select Shotbox > Insert Placeholder. t Click the Insert Placeholder button on the Playlist/Shotbox toolbar. The Insert Placeholder dialog box is displayed. 3. Enter the ID, Title, and Duration of the event.
Building a Shotbox When CountDown detects a match between a placeholder ID and the ID of an event on the AirSpeed server, it updates the shotbox button details to match those of the event on the AirSpeed server. It also cancels the button’s placeholder status and displays the details of the event in black, indicating that it is a playable media event. n When creating a placeholder, if the event already exists, pressing the Tab key fills in the Title and Duration fields.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes Saving a Shotbox To save a shotbox: 1. Click the shotbox to ensure it has focus. 2. Do one of the following: t Select File > Save t Click the Save button on the General toolbar. If the playlist has never been saved before, the Save Playlist As dialog box appears. 3. In the File Name text box, enter the name for the playlist. 4. Click Save. Opening an Existing Shotbox The two methods used to open an existing shotbox are the open command and the drag and drop method.
Optimizing the Positions of CountDown Windows To open the Open dialog box with shotbox files already selected in the file type list, do one of the following: t Press and hold down the Alt key and click the Open button on the CountDown toolbar. t Type Ctrl+Alt+O. The Drag and Drop Method To open a shotbox by dragging and dropping: 1. Locate the shotbox file to open. For instance, the file may be on the Desktop, listed in Windows Explorer, or listed in any directory window. 2.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes Modifying Events in the Shotbox You can modify events in a shotbox in two different ways: • Modifying Shotbox Events Using AirSpeed • Modifying Shotbox Events Using the Clip Editor Editing an event using AirSpeed changes the available duration of the media event itself. Using the Clip Editor changes only the duration of the event that CountDown plays to air.
Modifying Events in the Shotbox 2. Use the Transport Controls in the Clip Editor to find the IN point. For information on using the Transport Controls, see “Using the Clip Editor” on page 99. 3. Click the Mark IN button. The IN time appears in the In text box. 4. Use the Transport Controls in the Clip Editor to find the OUT point. 5. Click the Mark OUT button. The OUT time appears in the Out text box.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes 8. To apply changes made to all instances of the event throughout all open playlists and shotboxes, check the Update all instances of this clip check box in the Clip Editor. CountDown looks through all open playlists and shotboxes—including referenced playlists—for instances of the event matching this Event ID and Title, and updates them. 9. Click OK.
Playing a Shotbox to Air To restore the properties of an event or a group of events: 1. Select the event or the group of events in the playlist. 2. Select Shotbox > Reset Details. CountDown restores the IN point and duration of the event or group of events to that of those on the AirSpeed server. 3. If CountDown cannot locate the event on the AirSpeed server, a dialog box appears stating that it cannot locate the event and asking if you want to convert the event to a placeholder. 4.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes Going On-Air As with a playlist, selecting the channel to play out the shotbox simultaneously puts the shotbox in the On-Air state. If another shotbox or playlist is active on that channel, it will be put Off-Air. The following figure shows an example of a shotbox in the On-Air state. To select the channel and put the shotbox in the On-Air state: t Click the channel button in the shotbox control toolbar corresponding to the desired channel.
Playing a Shotbox to Air n The Shotbox window must be active for the keys to operate. Playing Events To play an event after it is in the cued state: t Click the event’s button. t Press the key that corresponds to the event’s button. CountDown highlights the button in the Playing color, which is red. n An event can be cued and immediately played by double-clicking the button or by pressing the appropriate key twice. Shotboxes do not respond to the GPI Next Event command.
Chapter 6 Using Shotboxes Controlling an On-Air Shotbox There are two buttons on the Shotbox Control toolbar that affect the playing event: • Freeze button • Eject button Freeze Eject Pausing a Shotbox Event To pause an event on a still frame: t Click the Freeze button. While the event is paused, the rundown clocks temporarily stop. To resume play-out: t Click the Freeze button again. The event continues playing and the rundown clocks resume.
Deleting a Shotbox Deleting a Shotbox To delete a shotbox: 1. Select File > Delete File. The Delete Playlist or Shotbox dialog box opens. 2. Select the file or files you want to delete. 3. Click Open. The files are deleted.
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Index A C Aborting an event in a playlist 109 in a shotbox 148 ACCESS I/O card described 19 AirSpeed servers setting up communication with 26 Application key connecting 20 Ascending order, sorting media list by 58 Assigning playout channels automatically 77 AV (availability) column 57 Changeover server, automatic 30 server, manual 30 Changes reverting in a playlist 87 in a shotbox 139 undoing in a playlist 87 in a shotbox 139 Channels configuring 28 emergency assignment 31 pl
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Configuration viewing 32 Configuring channels 28 external control functions 45 external control preferences 43 external controls 43 logging and security preferences 48 playlist and shotbox preferences 33 playlist appearance 38 preferences 33 server preferences 40 Time Remaining display 104 Connecting dongle (application key) 20 Convert to Placeholder command 86, 139 Converting an event to a placeholder in a playlist 86 in a shotbox 139 Creating new playlist 75 new shotbox
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ changing playout channels for 90 changing title 60 creating looping 94 cuing in a playlist 107 in a shotbox 146 duplicating in a playlist 84 editing in a playlist 97 in a shotbox 142 while On-Air 107 while playing list to air 102 while playing shotbox to air 144 Follow-On, setting to act as Manual 82 going On-Air playlist 103 shotbox 146 locking channel assignment 90 modifying in a playlist 89 in a shotbox 142 pausing while On-Air in a playlist 109 in a shotbox 148 playing in a p
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Hardware requirements 18 Help system described 23 Hot-swapping configuring 27 performing 31 License number viewing 23 Lock option (Clip Editor) 101 Locked playlist item 72 Locking playlist items 101 Logging MOS 133 preferences 48 Loop break time 114 Looping a playlist 80 breaking 114 Looping event adding events to 96 creating 94 I M Icons, playlist 73 ID column 73 Import Text File command 112 Importing a playlist 112 In point of events, restoring in a playlist 102 in a
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ channel auto-assignment 124 configuring for 118 copying placeholder ID 131 creating placeholders 128 displaying rundowns 126 event log 133 item auto-cue 124 item details 126 manual assignments 127 placeholder format 131 placeholders 128 playlist restrictions 123 playlists 123 ready-for-air icon 128 replacing placeholders 128 resyncing runorder 127 updating details 126 viewing placeholders 131 MOS protocol described 117 Multi-channel configuration setting up 22 Multiple playlists
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ editing while playing list to air 102 Playout mode, assigning 91 selecting Follow-On 92 selecting Manual 91 selecting Time-of-Day 92, 94 exporting 112 going Off-Air 111 grouping and ungrouping events 109 icons and columns, understanding 71 importing 112 including events from another 78 looping 80 loops breaking out of 114 modifying events in 89 MOS 123 opening 88 optimizing positions of windows 89 pausing an event while On-Air 109 playing to air 105 multiple lists 110 pref
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ part of a playlist 87 Searcing for events 61 Security preferences 48 Selection of a playlist, saving 87 Serial port expansion card connecting to AirSpeed 22 described 18 Serial ports configuring 27 status display 52 Server assigning functions 27 changeover, automatic 30 changeover, manual 30 deleting media events 64 IP address 26 preferences 40 status 51 storage availability 67 Set Item Play Channel command 90 Set Item Type command 91 Setting up communication before you being 26
Index ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Ungrouping and grouping events 109 Updating media information 64 User preferences configuring 33 V VDCP port number configuring 26 VDCP ports status display 52 Video ID changing 59 Video ID column 73 W Windows optimizing position for playlists 89 for shotboxes 141 X X-keys keypad customizing functions 45 described 19 preferences 43 setting up 43 158
